Mansa Musa of the 21st Century

Time for an article a bit more uplifting than last week. Earlier this year, Gambia's presidential elections experience an upset that, according to the BBC, was unprecedented and "is arguably a bigger shock than that of fellow property mogul in the US, Donald Trump"(BBC, 2017). This accolade goes to real estate entrepreneur and 51-year old Adama Barrow. The main reason that there is a comparison between Trump and Barrow, is that neither of them have ever held public office. Gambia had also been under presidential rule by Yahya Jammeh, who had been president for over 22 years. The desire for change by the young adults of Gambia, as well as a fortunate turn of events, the previous candidate having been arrested before the elections officially began. This gave Barrow the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. 
Adama Barrow
Credit given to the BBC
Adama Barrow is also a devout Muslim. And, like the famed ancient sultan of the Mali Empire Mansa Musa, Barrow, according to the Washington Post, has begun his pilgrimage to Mecca on the Hajj. While I doubt this trip will lead to the destruction of the Egyptian economy, as Musa had done millennia ago, it is still quite fascinating to see a figure of high political status perform something that demands much from its participant.

 I look forward to seeing if this seemingly under qualified president will bode well for his nation, instead of apathy and fearfulness like the president of the US. 

 Links Below.
The BBC article
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38185428

 The Washington Post article
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/gambias-new-president-leaves-to-perform-muslim-pilgrimage/2017/08/25/27be79f6-89be-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html?utm_term=.e53317706146


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